Owen Angell to Perform at Virginia Music Educators Conference in Norfolk

2024 Nov 12

The Bridgewater College Chorale has been invited to perform at the 2024 Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Conference, which will be held in Norfolk, Va., at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel and the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel from Nov. 21-23. The Chorale's concert will take place at noon on Thursday, Nov. 21.

Among the performers is Owen Angell, a(n) music major from Rocky Mount, Va.

The VMEA's annual professional development conference is an opportunity for music educators from across the Commonwealth to network, share information about new ideas and technology for teaching music and attend performances conducted by fellow educators. Currently, the organization has more than 3,000 members.

Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Music Dr. Ryan Keebaugh '02, who will direct the Chorale's performance, said that being invited to perform for hundreds, or possibly thousands, of conference attendees is no small feat.

"Performing groups have to apply, and with only two slots for college choral performances during the conference, the selection process is quite competitive," Keebaugh said. "This is truly a unique opportunity, both for students in the Chorale and for Bridgewater College."

During their performance, the Chorale will sing Christopher Tin's "Sogno di Volare," which the group previously performed at New York City's Carnegie Hall in June. Tin's piece will be followed by Dan Forrest's "Let Me Listen," Ola Gjeilo's "Across the Vast Eternal Sky," and Eric Barnum's "Afternoon on a Hill." The performance will conclude with "Sing You Home" by Mark Murphy and Maureen Ennis.

Currently consisting of 42 members, the Chorale is a select choral ensemble of students who also sing in BC's Concert Choir. The Chorale performs on campus throughout the academic year and tours regionally each spring.